Coming in 2019: New variants of the BMW X2 and X5

BMW has been busy expanding its range of SUVs (or sports activity whatever), and for 2019, the X2 and the X5 are getting new variants, each boasting some of the brand's latest powertrain, driver-assistance, and multimedia technologies.

First up is the top-of-the-line BMW X2 M35i—but do manage your expectations over the 'M' in its name. Power here is provided by a 2.0-liter turbopetrol in-line-four, which BMW says is its first M Performance four-cylinder engine. Gone are the days when '35i' stood for straight-six goodness.

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Peak power and torque are 302hp and 450Nm, respectively, coursed to all four wheels via xDrive and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission that has also been tuned by M Performance. Nil to 100kph ain't too shabby at 4.9sec.

Other go-fast bits come in the form of M Sport steering and suspension tweaks, a brand-new M Sport differential in the front axle to reduce traction loss during high-speed cornering, and an M Sport braking system with dark-blue calipers clamping down on steel discs. Add-ons include an adaptive suspension with two manually adjustable modes, and 20in alloys over the standard 19in rims.

PHOTO: BMW

Aesthetic changes are based on the X2's M Sport package. The side-mirror caps and the air intakes on either edge of the front bumper are finished in Cerium Gray, while over at the rear end, there's a variant-specific rear spoiler as well as a twin-tailpipe exhaust system that has been tuned to emit a nice, throaty rumble. The interior gets more M Sport elements, and the standard seats may be upgraded to M sports seats with three available choices for upholstery.

As for in-car entertainment and convenience features, the optional extras include a full-color head-up display, BMW ConnectedDrive, Apple CarPlay, and camera-based driving aids.

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PHOTO: BMW

Meanwhile, the BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance (whew) adds a plug-in hybrid to the X5 lineup, combining the carmaker’s EfficientDynamics and eDrive technologies for a total system output of 389hp and total system torque of 600Nm. In hybrid mode, the car does 0-100kph in 5.6sec.

Supplementing the 282hp 3.0-liter straight-six engine is the 110hp eDrive component, the lithium-ion battery of which provides an all-electric range of roughly 80km. As with the X2 M35i, power is sent to the wheels by an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. All-wheel drive is used whether in hybrid (top speed: 235kph) or electric (top speed: 140kph) mode.

PHOTO: BMW

An optional suspension system with integral active steering may be specified in place of the standard two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers. To differentiate this X5 from the non-hybrid variety, several exterior and interior elements boast the signature blue color used in the BMW i products. More connectivity, driver-assistance, and convenience features are also available as options.

Check out more images of the X2 M35i and the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance below. Do you think these new variants are good additions to their respective model lines?